128
The Ypres Times.
I am not a German," I said. I am not a soldier. I am an Irishman and a civilian,
the guest of the British Army and the victim of a dastardly outrage."
What d'ye mean The Colonel looked around the orderly room sternly. Nearly
every man present was endeavouring to hide a broad grin. What sort of Hun rigmarole
is this
I would prefer," I pursued, that my disclosure should be private. Since you
insist,my name is Barnard Claw."
Again, my words created no sensation. The commanding officer looked hard at the
adjutant.
What about Barnard Claw, Major he asked with affected calm. Wasn't
there something in orders, what
The adjutant, visibly suffering from suppressed hilarity, began rummaging amongst
the papers on the desk, found what he sought and placed it before the colonel.
From Corps Headquarters," he explained.
The colonel read it, with a fine simulation of judicial meditation. Then he looked me
up and down.
A likely story he spluttered out. What game is this What do you take the
British Army for Do you think we don't all know what Barnard Claw looks like Do
you think his infamous face is not familiar to us Black beard, bristling moustache,
piercing black eyes, heavy coal-black eye-brows
Excuse me, sir," murmured the adjutant, the official description says reddish-
grey beard and
To hwith the official description roared the Colonel, I tell you I'd know
that scoundrel anywhere. That's the man who says the British Army is composed of
poltroons and imbeciles, slaves and bullies. As for you, you miserable Hun, you may
thank your stars your little game hasn't worked. Gopush him off to the Cage
I set down exactly this charming English gentleman's unflattering language, without
comment. Under the circumstances I suffered myself to be marched away with my four
German companions to the Divisional prisoners' compound, three miles away.
[Here follows Mr. Claw's description of the wired enclosure and its occupants and his examination by
the Intelligence officer, whom he finally succeeded in convincing of his identity. Subsequently the Corps
Commander was notified he sent his car and conveyed Mr. Claw to the chateau, where he received profuse
apologies. He was given a private room and the fullest consideration. Mr. Claw sat up latewriting
G.O.C. Xth Corps to Brigadier-General Intelligence, G.H.Q.
5.2.17.
Sir,
Further to my letter of last night, I have to report that Mr Barnard Claw was released
the moment his identity was established. The incident is most deplorable. This morning
I had a long interview with Mr. Claw. I endeavoured to explain to him that the most
rigorous investigation had failed to disclose the existence of any premeditated outrage
by any of the officers or men either of the 3rd Inniskillings (whom he persists in referring
to as the Munsters who were in another part of the line) or the 7th Worcesters, now
forming part of this Corps.
I also explained to Mr. Claw that at the time of his visit to the trenches a relief had
actually been proceeding and that the enemy had made it the occasion of a bombing attack.
Our men delayed the relief and during an interval lasting forty minutes it was quite
probable that K.4.e had been entered by the enemy, who had found him sleeping. If
so, he had been recognised. He was fiercely incredulous of thisbut I pointed out
that his passport was on his person, and his name and photograph were doubtless well
known in Germany.
He then said
If such a hypothesis be admissible, what object would the Germans have in playing
an imbecile prank of this description In reply, I said that German mentality was an
uncertain quality. There was, however, another explanation. The enemy may merely
